Four Gynecology Surgeries You May Experience Over The Course Of Your Life

The female reproductive system has a lot of complex parts, and sometimes, hormonal changes, pregnancies, disorders, and disease will require surgical intervention. Here is a look at some of the conditions that may require gynecology surgery:

Adhesiolysis

This is the name for the surgery that removes adhesions, or scar tissue. Many times, the body attempts to repair areas that have undergone surgery previously. For example, adhesions are common in woman who have had a cesarean section to deliver a baby, especially if they have had multiple procedures. While some scar tissue is normal, some women's bodies work overtime, creating adhesions that can bind to other organs, causing pain and discomfort. The surgeon removes this excess scar tissue, freeing any organs that have become encumbered by it. Unfortunately, this procedure may then create new scar tissue, requiring subsequent surgeries.

Ablation

An ablation procedure involves burning off the lining of the uterus, the endometrium. While this isn't traditional surgery, no incision is made, it is still a common procedure. An endometrial ablation is performed to lessen severe menstrual bleeding common in women with endometriosis and those nearing menopause. It cannot be performed on women who still want to have children as the procedure destroys the endometrium, which is where a fertilized egg implants itself.

There are several ways the lining is burned, including microwaves, radio waves, heated fluids, and cryoablation, intense cold to freeze the lining and kill it. After the procedure, most women no longer have monthly periods or experience just a very light cycle.

Tubal Ligation

Women who have completed their childbearing or who have definitively decided they don't want to have any children may opt for a tubal ligation. Commonly referred to as "getting their tubes tied," a tubal ligation actually uses surgery to cut or burn the fallopian tubes, making the route an egg must travel to get to the uterus impossible. The tubes may also be banded rather than cut or cauterized. Either way, pregnancy is then impossible unless the procedure is reversed, which isn't always successful, so it's important women be 100 percent certain they don't want any (more) children before electing to have a tubal ligation.

Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is the complete removal of the uterus. Severe endometriosis and cancer is a common reason for a hysterectomy. A total hysterectomy is when the uterus and the cervix are removed. Sometimes the fallopian tubes will be removed as well. This can be done abdominally, laparoscopically, or via the vagina.

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